The board of NTPC has approved proposals for setting up two mega power projects in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka at an estimated cost of Rs.18,346.59 crore.The company said it would invest Rs.15,166.19 crore for the upcoming 3x800 MW Kudgi super thermal power project in Karnataka. The project is awaiting clearance of Ministry of Environment and Forests. NTPC would also invest Rs.3,180.40 crore for 500 MW Stage-V of the Vindhyachal super thermal power project in Madhya Pradesh. This unit is also awaiting environmental clearance.

Stage-I (6x210 MW) Stage-II (2x500 MW) and Stage - III (2x500 MW) of the Vindhyachal project are under commercial operation. Stage-IV (2x500 MW) of the project is now under construction, it said. The two investment proposals were approved by the NTPC board recently. At present, NTPC has an installed capacity of 36,014 MW and operates 15 coal-based, seven gas-based and six joint venture power stations. NTPC expects to have a 1,28,000 MW generation capacity by 2032. In a related development, NTPC has signed an agreement with Madhya Pradesh Power Trading Company (MP Tradeco) for supply of power from a 50-MW solar photovoltaic plant proposed to be set up at Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh.